Police arrested Janiis O. Mathis, who is currently on probation, for illegally possessing a firearm following a foot chase.

Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:32 p.m., Officers Brian McCanney and Christopher Cain were proactively patrolling the area of 27th Street and Thompson Place. The officers observed an object that resembled the handle of a firearm in Mathis’ waistband. When officers attempted to stop Mathis and discuss his business abroad, he fled on foot westbound on West 27th Street then northbound on North Jefferson Street. During the foot chase Mathis removed the firearm from his waist band and continued to run with the gun in his hand. Mathis reversed his direction running southbound on North Jefferson then eastbound on West 27th Street. Mathis attempted to discard the firearm into an alleyway. However, the firearm struck a residence in the 2700 block of North Jefferson Street and landed in the grass. The firearm, a 22 caliber revolver, was recovered and Mathis was taken into custody without further incident.

Janiis O. Mathis, who is a convicted felon, was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of a $30,000.00 cash bail.